Teen business founders are unique because they usually have no startup experience, but their passion and amazing ideas earn them recognition in the business world. 

These young business people are often too young to qualify for a driver’s license. They are also below the drinking age, but they are already coming up with incredible concepts that bring them respect from others in corresponding industries.

Their planning, ambition, and fearless thinking show how smart they are and how they continue to build innovative businesses that are fast-growing and profitable.

Teen Founders Making Big Bucks

Bath balls, cookies, landscaping, and web development are just some of the business ideas young teens have. However, like all startup owners, they also face many issues that they need to overcome.  

Caroline and Isabel Becaw, co-founders of Da Bomb Bath

Today the sisters are 18 and 19, but when they started selling their fragrant bath balls in 2012, they were just 11 and 12. Their product was such a hit that by 2015 they were approached by Target who wanted it for its 1,800 stores.

It was time for their mother to step in as CEO and the whole production had to move out of their home. The family business was self-funded and generates over $20 million annually.

Cory Nieves, founder, and CEO of Mr. Cory’s Cookies

Cory is 16 years old and his business started when as an ambitious 6-year-old he wanted to help his mom buy a car. He and his mom perfected a cookie recipe that became an instant hit and as the business grew so did his fame. When he was invited to The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2015, demand surged and he and his mom could not keep up.

The investment to grow their business came from a cash infusion of $100,000 after an appearance on CNBC’s The Profit. The mother and son team also launched an e-commerce site to hire helpers to ensure their production could be shipped across the U.S.

Sanil Chawla, founder, and executive director of Hack+

Launching a web development startup was Sanil’s dream, and it stemmed from his hobby. However, as the 20-year-old relates, it is very difficult for an under 18 to file legal paperwork and open a bank account for a business.

His research led him to fiscal sponsorship, a common practice among nonprofits. He then went on to develop automated software that provides free fiscal sponsorship to student-founded organizations. B2B resources and support were provided by Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Together with a team of 12, his company has helped close to 1,000 students launch their organizations and has raised more than $1 million for their support. By managing their financials and legal concerns, these organizations can focus on their goals.

Other young entrepreneurs

When GreenWorx Landscaping founder, R.J. Duarte was accepted at Colorado University two years ago, the 20-year old decided that he would rather stick with his business. Today, he employs 15 high school students during his busy season, enjoys working hard and continues to grow his six-figure income.

According to entrepreneurship data, only 32% of business owners have taken some business classes and only 9 % have a Bachelor’s Degree in business.

When Kanan Pala found out he could not volunteer at a nonprofit because he was under 18, the 13-year-old San Diego resident decided to found his own nonprofit, Kids4Community. So far the 17-year olds nonprofit has raised over $1 million for causes concerning the homeless in his area.

Small Business Ideas for Teens

These teens are a small example of young people with an entrepreneurial spirit. In the U.S. many successful entrepreneurs started their first businesses at a young age. Fred De Luca opened his first restaurant at 17 and went on to become the founder of Subway. Shark Tank entrepreneur, Mark Cuban, started selling garbage bags at the age of 12.

There are numerous good business ideas for teens who want to start a venture. Here are some ideas that can help them join the ranks of the successful businessmen who started young.

Finding good business ideas for teens in areas that interest them

Teens often opt for cleaning, gardening, organizing of homes, pet sitting, house sitting, and babysitting jobs to make some extra cash. However, this group of young people who are almost adults has a wide range of interests and talents. Business ideas for teens are usually born out of these.

Arts and design

Graphic design, 3D printing, and photo editing are areas where teens are very capable because of their interest in all things digital. Other arty and design areas of interest for them like photography, illustrations and make-up application can also offer them some good small business ideas.

Coaching and Teaching

This is an area where teen business ideas can make them some good money, depending on what they are coaching or teaching. Art and music lessons, home tutoring, and exam prep can earn them anything from $25 to $60 an hour.

Creative Crafts

Usually, this age-group is very creative, and some small business ideas for teens can include manufacturing anything from candles, soap, jams, cookies, and even sewing. Gift-wrapping businesses near department stores are also a great part-time business idea. These small businesses can make them some serious money.

E-commerce and Social Media

eBay is a great place for young entrepreneurs to sell on and a store can be adapted to their interests. An Etsy store is ideal for creative teens to sell handmade designs and can make them some serious money.

With live streaming, it can take some time before a young person can make some money, but young gaming enthusiasts with good skills can promote themselves. The more followers they have, the more money flows in.

Social media is what young people understand best and social media marketing doesn’t need capital investment but can make them a good annual income.

Writing and publishing

Teen business ideas can also be found in the gig economy where they can freelance their writing skills. Writers can also make money publishing stories for children and teens. Transcription and data entry skills are also sought after.